BUSINESS UPDATES: Penguin City Brewing gets first tenant

YOUNGSTOWN — Penguin City Brewing Co. is getting a shot of positive energy.

The brewery is getting its first tenant, DOPE Cider House & Winery, which is leasing a 1,000-square-foot production facility and tasting room housed next to Penguin' City's recently purchased warehouse at 460 E. Federal St.

Hannah Ferguson of Youngstown, an assistant brewer at Modern Methods Brewery in Warren and the only Black female brewer in Ohio, started DOPE (Dwelling On Positive Energy) Brands in 2017. She will be the head brewer at the cider house.

"This partnership with Hannah is a slam dunk. She told me she has been trying to find a place in Youngstown for over three years for her own business," Aspasia Lyras-Bernacki, co-owner of Penguin City, said in a news release. "When I showed her the space, I knew she found her dream spot. Our facility is more than Penguin City Beer; we are a part of the community, and we want to show that working together and helping each other out will build us all up and make our city stronger."

Penguin City will assist Ferguson with branding and will help distribute her products throughout the Mahoning Valley, and Ferguson will be assisting with brewing at Penguin City.

DOPE Cider House & Winery is scheduled to open along with Penguin City in late summer and plans to have eight ciders on tap and four varieties of wine.

"Honestly, this has been very emotional for me. I have been trying, unsuccessfully, for years to get my business going, and just when I felt like giving up, this opportunity presented itself," Ferguson said.

For more information, contact Lyras Bernacki at 330-755- 0709 or aspasia@penguincity.beer, or Ferguson at thedopebrand@gmail.com.

Tax credit approved for

Macy's expansion project

COLUMBUS — The Ohio Tax Credit Authority has approved a tax credit for Macy's Corporate Services LLC's expansion project in Jackson Township.

The project is expected to create 417 full-time positions, generating $16.8 million in new annual payroll and retaining $2.1 million in existing payroll.

The Tax Credit Authority approved a 1.47 percent, eight-year Job Creation Tax Credit for the project.

"This collaborative effort is a great way to help jump-start job growth right here in the Valley," state Rep. Al Cutrona, R-Canfield, said in a news release. "I'm thankful to all those involved in this process and it just shows that Mahoning County remains competitive for economic development within our state. I look forward to seeing the completion of this project."

Macy's Corporate Services coordinates merchandise distribution and logistics functions for Macy's stores.

This Old House again partnering

with Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods

CANFIELD — This Old House recently announced plans for its first Idea House project in 2021 and will once again be partnering with Baird Brothers Fine Hardwoods for many of the hardwood products that will be used throughout the home.

Located about 20 minutes outside St. Paul, Minn., the project, which will be referred to as the 2021 Modern Barnhouse, will follow along with remodeler, designer and television personality Amy Matthews as she goes through the process of creating her dream home.

"This exciting project is off to a running start," Steve Stack, director of new business development at Baird Brothers, said in a news release. "Amy has already handpicked several Baird Brothers products, and we're excited to see how she makes the house come to life."

The Modern Barnhouse project marks Baird Brothers' ninth project with the This Old House organization. When completed, the home will be featured in the fall issue of This Old House Magazine.

898 Marketing receives Gold Award for

'Kids Say the Smartest Things' campaign

CANFIELD — 898 Marketing was recognized with a Gold Award for its "Kids Say the Smartest Things" campaign during the 2021 Akron-Canton American Advertising Awards, which was held virtually Friday due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The campaign was created for Mahoning County Public Health to promote healthy tips and habits during the holidays. The 898 team developed several concepts, including one featuring local children answering questions and giving their thoughts on the coronavirus pandemic. The campaign ran on local television stations as well as across various social media outlets.

"While this recognition is a testament to the work of our team, the real reward is the impact it had in our community, helping to remind people how they can do their part to save lives during this pandemic by the future generations who will one day lead us," Jeff Ryznar, 898 Marketing president and CEO, said in a news release.

Farmers National Banc Corp.

declares quarterly cash dividend

CANFIELD — Farmers National Banc Corp.'s board of directors on Tuesday declared a quarterly cash dividend of 11 cents per share. The common stock cash dividend will have a record date of March 12 and is payable to shareholders March 31.

Gasoline prices increase

29 cents in Northeast Ohio

YOUNGSTOWN — The average price for gasoline across Northeast Ohio is 29 cents higher this week at $2.66 per gallon, according to AAA East Central's Gas Price Report.

The average price for unleaded self-service gasoline in the Youngstown area is $2.62 per gallon.

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This story was originally published February 24, 2021 at 4:11 AM with the headline "BUSINESS UPDATES: Penguin City Brewing gets first tenant."